Christmas!

I've been trying all day, to think of something either clever & funny or noble & introspective to write on here to "celebrate" the arrival of Christmas.

I can't think of anything that falls under either category.

So...

Merry Christmas!!

I have to say that I am so glad that it's finally here. I was sure that the stress of December would never end. And actually, I don't think it has.

BUT, there has been a break in the chaos of normal life: a holiday, celebrating the birth of an amazing King; a rest, in which I get to spend time with my family and my friends.

So far I've spent a good amount of time reading books and sitting beside a fire, sipping hot coffee. I also brought home a girl I met in one of my classes. Her family lives on the east coast, and it was really nice to share Christmas with someone who doesn't have the chance to be with family this year. I've also spent some time visiting my Grandpa, who had heart surgery last week, and is recovering in hospital.

One of my favorite parts of Christmas has been resting with my family, and choosing to relax. It's wonderful. I hope yours is too...

Merry Christmas!

decisions

As I've been sitting at my desk, studying (or trying to), I've been thinking alot about the decisions I've been making. Not the little decisions like "what will I wear today?", or "will I have coffee or tea?"

I've been thinking alot about the bigger decisions, like how I spend my time, and who I hang out with. And I've been wondering if I'm going to regret these decicions in the future, or if I will be glad that I decided the way that I did.

I've been thinking a lot about the same choices that I made last year at this time, and the year before that at this time: really glad that I chose to get to know the people I know, and that I'm in the spot that I'm at. But when I look back at this year, will I have chosen well? Or will I cringe and regret that I didn't do this... or talk to this person... or get to know....

Do the people I'm with encourage me to be closer to God? Are the relationships I'm building with others long-lasting? Do I know people that need God, who I can be a light in a dark work to? Am I spending my time well? or am I wasting it on things that don't matter?

In the end, I've been told, the only thing that matters is relationship: relationship with God, and relationships with others. Only two things are eternal: God, and people.

what am I spending my time on? and who am I spending it with?

ieee... long time eh?

I discovered (or realized) yesterday, that it's been an (embarrassingly) long time since I've written anything on here.

Um... sorry.

I guess my existence can be summed up in one word.

BUSY.

Busy with school, busy with friends, busy with church, busy, busy, busy.

not bad busy, though. It's been good. (except for some of the school stuff. that's not always good. but whatever. The point remains.)

I also realized that I am behind on wedding announcements, and SO, without further adieu,

Congratulations to Colleen & Barrett, who are getting married in June. And also to Jeff & Kristy, who got engaged last weekend, and are getting married in the summer. I'm super excited for all of you guys.

Life... what can I say about life? The school term is coming to a close. In fact, I had an oral final in my French class this morning. We lit the first candle of advent at church this weekend, and it made me realize that Christmas is close. Closer than I think. Next week, I will start to write finals. And then there will be a week and a half before I have to have all my Christmas shopping done.
I hope that I don't lose sight of the most important part of Christmas. That might be what I miss the most about spending the pre-Christmas season overseas. Without the pressure of Santa and the persistent advertising of malls, it's easier to remember that Christmas is Jesus.

When I taught kindergarten, we had an advent calender. But instead of counting down to Christmas (equating with Santa and presents and stuff) we counted down to Jesus' birthday. And then we had a big birthday party for him on the last day of class: complete with a big cake, and the song. Being unfamiliar with North American hype, the kids thought that Christmas was ENTIRELY about Jesus, and it was easier for me to be reminded of the same thing. (if you want, see the DEC2004 archives, because i wrote something about this when i was there)

Perhaps I need to count down to Jesus' birthday.

Anyone want cake?